function
C1Formal, Technical
Definition
Meaning
The purpose or role that something is designed to perform.
An official ceremony or formal social event; a mathematical relationship between variables; a specific operation of a system or piece of software; the ability to work or operate in a normal way.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Core concept is 'purposeful role' or 'operation'. In mathematics and computing, it becomes highly technical. As a verb, it implies proper operation or fulfilling a role.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal difference in core meaning. The verb 'to function' might be slightly more common in AmE for describing machine operation (e.g., 'Is it functioning?'). BrE may favour 'work' or 'operate' in everyday speech.
Connotations
In both, 'function' implies a degree of formality and specificity. The noun 'function' as a social event is equally common in both dialects.
Frequency
High frequency in academic, business, and technical registers. Slightly higher overall frequency in AmE according to corpora.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
function as + NPfunction + adverb (well, properly, normally)function + preposition + NP (function in a role)function + to-infinitive (function to provide)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “function over form”
- “form follows function”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to a department's role (e.g., 'the marketing function') or a system's operation.
Academic
Central in mathematics (mathematical function), biology (organ function), sociology (social function).
Everyday
Often used for machines/appliances ('My phone isn't functioning') or social events ('We have a family function').
Technical
Precise definitions in computing (program function), engineering, and logic.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The old lift hasn't been functioning properly for weeks.
- In her absence, Sarah will function as the team lead.
- The device is designed to function in extreme temperatures.
American English
- The router stopped functioning after the storm.
- This room can function as a home office or a guest room.
- The liver functions to filter toxins from the blood.
adverb
British English
- The system was designed functionally rather than beautifully.
- The team works very functionally together.
American English
- The space is organized very functionally.
- He explained the process functionally, step by step.
adjective
British English
- The design was purely functional, with no aesthetic consideration.
- She wore functional clothing suitable for hiking.
American English
- The apartment's layout is very functional and efficient.
- We need a more functional approach to solving this problem.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The main function of a knife is to cut.
- My phone is not functioning. It is broken.
- We have a school function next week.
- The function of the heart is to pump blood.
- Can this machine function without electricity?
- I attended a charity function last night.
- One key function of management is strategic planning.
- The software update caused the application to stop functioning correctly.
- The hall can function as a concert venue or a conference centre.
- The spleen performs several vital immunological functions.
- The committee functions as an advisory body to the board.
- The artist challenged the traditional function of sculpture in her latest exhibition.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'FUN' + 'ACTION'. A FUNCTION is the specific ACTION something is meant to perform, which can sometimes be FUN!
Conceptual Metaphor
A SYSTEM IS A BODY (e.g., 'The heart functions as a pump', 'That department is the brain of the organisation').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating 'function' (noun) as 'функция' in every context. For a social event, 'мероприятие' or 'приём' is better. For the verb, 'работать' is often sufficient, not 'функционировать'.
- The mathematical 'function' is 'функция', but the everyday meaning is broader.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'functional' (adj.) to mean 'working' when 'functional' often implies 'basic' or 'utilitarian'. Example mistake: 'My car is functional' (implies it works but is basic) vs. 'My car is functioning' (it's operational).
- Confusing 'function' with 'funeral' in listening due to similarity in unstressed syllables.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'function' used as a verb?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but its core sense of 'purposeful role' leans slightly formal. In technical fields (maths, computing) it is standard terminology.
'Purpose' is the reason for which something exists or is done, focusing on intention. 'Function' is the specific operation or activity something performs. A heart's purpose is to sustain life; its function is to pump blood.
Yes, but often impersonally. 'She functions as the director' is fine. Saying 'He functions well' about a person can sound clinical, implying they are like a machine.
In mathematics, a function is a relation from a set of inputs to a set of possible outputs where each input is related to exactly one output (e.g., f(x) = x²). This is a highly specialised meaning.